Cailinji
Time-Honored BrandCailinji · Hubei · Founded 1930
Cailinji is a renowned time-honored brand in Wuhan, famous for its hot dry noodles (re gan mian). Founded in the 1930s, it is celebrated for its unique sesame paste recipe and has become a symbol of Wuhan's culinary culture.
Brand Story
Cailinji was established in the 1930s (around 1930, during the Republic of China era) by Cai Mingwei and his wife in Hankou's Changdi Street. Cai improved traditional noodles by adding sesame paste, sesame oil, and other seasonings, creating the distinctive 'hot dry noodles' that quickly became popular in Wuhan. The name combines the surname 'Cai' and the character 'Lin' (referring to the woods near the shop), symbolizing prosperity. Known for their smooth, chewy texture and rich sesame flavor, Cailinji's noodles became a breakfast staple for Wuhan residents, witnessing the city's modern commercial and culinary development. Despite wars and changes, Cailinji has upheld its traditional techniques, becoming an important symbol of Wuhan's urban memory.
“[待核]”
Signature Products
Signature dish: alkaline noodles boiled, then topped with sesame paste, sesame oil, and spicy pickled radish cubes. Mixed well, it offers a rich sesame flavor and chewy texture. (5-10 RMB)
A traditional Wuhan snack: a bean skin wrap filled with glutinous rice, diced pork, and mushrooms, pan-fried until golden. Crispy outside, soft inside, savory and delicious. (8-15 RMB)
A sweet, warm beverage made by pouring rice wine over beaten egg, sweetened with sugar or osmanthus. Often enjoyed with hot dry noodles. (3-6 RMB)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Hubei（湖北）
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Cultural Note
The craft of making Cailinji hot dry noodles involves precise steps like 'drying the noodles' (dan mian) and 'mixing the sauce' (ban jiang), with sesame paste blended with sesame oil. This reflects Wuhan people's culinary wisdom of combining convenience and flavor. As a representative of Wuhan's breakfast culture, it has been listed in Hubei Province's intangible cultural heritage, serving as a valuable sample for studying modern Chinese urban dietary changes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "China Time-Honored Brand" (中华老字号)?
A China Time-Honored Brand is a designation by China’s Ministry of Commerce for brands with a long history that inherit products, craftsmanship or services across generations and have operated continuously to the present.
When was Cailinji founded?
Cailinji was founded in 1930, originating in Hubei, Hubei, primarily in the Other field.
What is the signature product of Cailinji?
Its signature product is Hot Dry Noodles. See the "Signature / Buy Online" section on this page for more products and shopping links.
Where can I find the official list of China Time-Honored Brands?
You can log into the MOFCOM "China Time-Honored Brand Information Management System", or browse this site’s brand directory — we have profiled 1,451 time-honored brands.
Sources / References
Brand fundamentals (founding year, heritage level, recognition batch) follow official sources such as the MOFCOM time-honored brand list. Story and encyclopedia: